Lolita Harper, we just read your Feb. 20 column and found it to be
the most compelling presentation -- logically and emotionally --
regarding the issue of gay marriage yet to be offered for public
discussion.
Success and satisfaction within the life of our family has nothing
to do with whether adult couples, whose basic sexual orientation (by
no choice of their own) is opposite of ours, are allowed to establish
equal sanction for the blissful and responsible commitment of a
lifetime of love.
The fulfillment of America's promise, however, has much to do with
the growing realization that here is another area where separate is
not equal. When we sing our patriotic hymn, "America the Beautiful,"
the phrase, "America, America, God mend thine every flaw," brings on
the good feeling that this wonderful country can keep on getting
better.
Thanks for your cogent insights and celebration of life in this
community.
MARTI AND GARY BARMORE
Costa Mesa
My daughter is currently in a gay marriage. They had a ceremony in
New Jersey seven years ago and you have never seen a more devoted,
loving couple as my daughter and her partner (wife), Rachel. They
just left after a vacation here.
So many times, they are not allowed the same benefits and
privileges as a "normal," heterosexual couple. They both have very
good jobs with a major corporation. They are allowed to have partner
benefits; however, according to the law, they cannot file a dual tax
return and they take quite a hit in taxes because of it.
They are not allowed their full civil rights under the law because
of their relationship and marriage and I think this needs to be
changed. The perfect example is when one of them was in the hospital,
in intensive care, and the other needed a power of attorney in order
to visit. This is not necessary.
A criminal who's in jail for murder can legally get married but my
children cannot, and I think it's about time for this law to change.
They speak of the sanctity of marriage; well these two are very much
in love and they cannot have the full benefit of the law. A pop star
can go to Las Vegas and get married and get annulled in 24 hours;
that is not the sanctity of marriage.
SANDRA BASMACIYAN
Corona del Mar
